Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Job+035

CHAPTER 35 (ESV)

1 And Elihu answered and said:

2 “Do you think this to be just?
Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’
3 that you ask, ‘What advantage have I?
How am I better off than if I had sinned?’
4 I will answer you
and your friends with you.
5 Look at the heavens, and see;
and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.
6 If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself,
and your righteousness a son of man.

REFLECTION:

This chapter is Elihu’s third speech trying to answer Job’s third confusion: What is the cause of human suffering? What’s the benefit of keeping faith and not sinning? Elihu believes that the consequences of justice and sin are not borne by God but by man. Since God is not affected by sin or righteousness, there is no reason for Him to deviate from strict justice, and God has clear rewards and punishments. Although Elihu’s statement seemed correct, he made an essential mistake. In fact, man was created in the image of God. God sees everyone as precious. Our words and deeds affect God’s glory and touch His heart. Although our sin does not harm God, it makes God worry for us. God is both a righteous and loving God. When we do not sin and do justice, it not only benefits the people around us, it is also pleasing to God, and we will also receive great rewards from God in the future. In times of trouble, we must not forget that God is always watching us, and He is walking with us mercifully. We keep our faith not only for the benefit of others, but also for the glory of God and a good witness for God.

PRAYER:

God, thank You for creating me in Your image and valuing me as precious. When I sin and fall, You are concerned for me. When I act with justice and mercy, it benefits those around me and pleases You, and You will reward me greatly in the future. Please help me not to forget that You are always watching over me during difficult times, and that You compassionately accompany me. Teach me to hold fast to my faith, not only to benefit others but also to glorify You and bear a good witness for You.

HYMN:

Lord Let Your Glory Fall – m.youtube.com/watch?v=ENQYKMQEe6c